Ballast Point Brewing - Long Beach
| Address: | 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA |
| Phone: | +1 562-296-4470 |
| Site: | ballastpoint.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
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Jim Thornburg
Ive been here twice so far, with two VERY different experiences. First time was about a week after they opened on Saturday. My wife and I arrived around 11 am, and were lucky enough to find a seat at a table, and it was already almost at capacity. I ordered beer for us at the main bar (there are 3 bars), and then headed over to the food ordering station. Once seated a waitress came by and told us shed be back around if we wanted more beer, so we wouldnt have to wait in line. PERFECT! Except we didnt see her again for at least an hour. So we ordered a couple beers each since we didnt know when wed get a chance again, and the line for beer was at least 30 minutes, and very confusing. So, fast forward a few weeks. We went after work on a Friday, and it was noticeably less crowded. Several tables were marked "Reserved". Those tables are for full service and you have to check in with the host(ess) to sit there. I thought that made a lot more sense! Otherwise, you find a table and go wait in lines. So thats what we did, and the lines were less confusing and went quicker. I believe some of the hype has died down, and this is how the crowds will look on a regular basis. Beer is mostly very good, and I enjoy the food a lot. It might be a little on the pricey side, but its a great place for hanging out and trying some unique beer. They have a gift shop near the door with swag and even some beer to take home.
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Kerry Wagoner
We went there yesterday thinking it wouldnt be as crowded as it was over the 4th of July weekend, boy were we wrong- this place is very busy and lines are outside the door. We got there early enough for lunch and walked right in - not knowing how this place works, we were told to seat ourselves and order food & beers at the counter ala McDonalds. I loved the beer but the counter service was not great if you want to come in for beers or a meal. First you have to order from the bar or food counters, where the lines could be 15 people deep. Then you have to tell them where you will be sitting so they can find you to give you your food. I saw some really confused, frustrated "waiters" looking for the table the food belongs to. Also, if I wanted to order more food or drinks you have to go stand in line again to place the order. I really think this place needs to rethink how they service their patrons to be more effective and not such a clusterfuck! On a positive note, the view was amazing & the food was good. Overall we will be back but I will let the crowds die down after everyone has been able to check it out. Also, my GF said there were only 3 stalls in the ladies bathrooms and with all the beer being drank, expect lines outside the bathrooms or hold it until you get home.
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Thomas Phillips
Went there on Friday (4/14) night for my 1st visit. Beautiful facility and was greeted at the entrance. Sat at bar table near the main bar. No servers in sight. Only 2 bartenders at the main bar. Finally figured out that there was a long line at the bar register where people were in queue to order both food and beer. It was taking forever as I watched two bartenders take orders and pour beer. I was amazed that I was watching maybe one beer being poured every 2 minutes. . Cant believe that a cost of about 2 beers per hour for more bartenders that many customers were waiting so long to get a beer. Finally gave up on the line at the main bar and went to a shorter line at a smaller bar. Luckily they had 3 bartenders. Taking to others in line there was dissatisfaction with the process to get served. I also could tell that the bartenders were all a little miffed because the customers were unhappy with not getting served. BP is losing out on a lot of money and maybe return customers if they cant serve the beer (phenomenal as it is) in a timely manner. Also the restaurant could use some more restrooms. There was a line at both the men and womens restrooms near the entrance. The mens room had only 2 urinals and 1 stall. Way to few to accommodate beer drinkers.
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Dustin Fischer
Look at the times when it is busy, try to visit when its not too bad, overall relaxing environment with amazing staff, especially Curt behind the main bar, well knowledgeable about all the beer, and the food too. Now, disregard any negative comment about the order of how you get beer than you have to get food... That is simply people who dont know the lingo and are usually from out of town. If you visit on a day when they are busy, expect to wait, and good things come to those who wait. I had lunch at the main bar around 12:00 on a Friday, I had no problem finding a spot and ordering food. If your worried about quality of beer, trust me, you can never go wrong with Ballast Point, consistent good beer for over two decades, you wont survive this long if you are doing something wrong... If you havent stopped by, I recommend you do, beautiful views and delicious food, you will definitely have a good time, especially when you looking for a good place to take friends or dates or whatever. If you eat outside, make sure you bring a sweater, as the weather near any harbor or ocean can get chilly, especially when the wind kicks up.
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John Patterson
I just arrived back home after being stormed out by the staff thirty minutes before closing. My wife and I went with another couple to have drinks around 9:30pm. The closing time is 11pm. There was a massive line at the main bar, so we went to a side bar and got a few beers. No menu in sight, so we just went with what we thought would be good. With our drinks in hand, my friends and I went to the outside patio and had an enjoyable time for 45 minutes. This is when the staff came around at 10:15 and said last call is now and we have to leave in 10 minutes. There was no sense of courtesy or anything in their actions. It was like, "get your stuff ready or well kick you out." We finished our beers and watched the staff turn off the fire pit and lights as guest sat around them. This is 30 minutes before closing! In seven minutes after the initial last call, a waiter named JP said, "You need to leave in 3 minutes." I said, "This is some great customer service." He shot back, "I know. Arent we the best!" We left and I never intend to come back, and honestly, I dont intend to buy another Ballast Point beer.
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Shelly W
First, Great atmosphere, fun, right on the water, modern. Thats it. Our waiter took our order and NEVER came back! I could see him messing around with co-workers in the bar though. Our tacos were delivered and there was fish and a few pieces of cabbage, that looked like they had been tossed on there for garnish as they ran to the table. I had to get up and ask him if I could get some salsa and sour cream. I know, crazy for tacos right? (No salsa, hot sauce or even salt on the tables.) He looked at me as if I were overstepping my bounds! He acted as though I was LUCKY to be eating there and served the bland, crappy food, then said, "I can maybe locate some salsa for you, But not sour cream." Really?! Dry Fish tacos. 3 of them. No rice. No beans. No nothing. I was freaking starving when I left and paid a pretty penny for that too. Never again. I would choose Taco Bell 1st. Atmosphere is not THAT nice.
